Argentine Legends Zanetti, Cambiasso and Pastore Rally Behind Infantino Amid FIFA Leadership Turmoil

Gianni Infantino’s position as FIFA president has faced significant challenges following the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup, as controversy mounts over a proposed private equity investment. With several European federations withdrawing their support, three prominent Argentine football figures—Javier “Pupi” Zanetti, Esteban Cambiasso, and Javier Pastore—have stepped forward to publicly endorse the incumbent president ahead of the upcoming FIFA presidential election.

The proposed creation of a subsidiary entity called FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) to oversee media and commercial rights for major FIFA competitions—while selling an equity stake to private investors—has encountered strong opposition from member associations. Multiple governing bodies, led by UEFA members including England and Ireland, have withdrawn their backing for Infantino and are calling for substantial structural reforms within FIFA’s leadership.

Amid an increasingly contentious political atmosphere characterized by high-level executive departures, including the dismissal of FIFA chief operating officer Kevin Lamour, Infantino received a timely boost from distinguished football alumni. Through their respective Instagram accounts, Zanetti, Cambiasso, and Pastore released a joint statement expressing their support for the sitting FIFA president:

“Over the past decade, we have witnessed FIFA and President Infantino’s dedication to ensuring player representation in football—something that previously did not exist. Current and former players have gained a voice and an active role in our sport through their involvement in committees, projects, and working groups. Our perspectives are valued, and numerous initiatives benefiting football are taking shape through our contributions, ideas, plans, and active participation.“

Javier Zanetti’s endorsement letter to Gianni Infantino. (@javierzanetti)

“We have seen firsthand how football can transform lives, improve societies, and increase opportunities for everyone globally; we are committed to continuing to bring this hope to people. We will continue to support the remarkable evolution that has characterized our sport over the past decade, so that it can continue to reach and benefit people in every country where football is played around the world,” the statement continued.

Zanetti, who currently serves as vice president of Inter Milan, also holds the position of vice president on the FIFA Social Responsibility Committee for the 2025-29 term, while Cambiasso serves on the FIFA Technical Study Group (TSG). Pastore remains the only member of the trio without an official FIFA appointment, operating through his agency, The Elegant Game, which represents high-profile talent including Enzo Fernandez.

Javier Zanetti of FIFA Legends blue team lifts the trophy alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino. (Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Legends divided over Infantino’s leadership

Zanetti, Cambiasso, and Pastore were prominent figures throughout the 2026 World Cup in North America, regularly appearing in luxury suites as official guests during Argentina’s matches. Their public endorsement of Infantino contrasts sharply with another open letter from an opposing group of legendary players who joined national federations in expressing discontent with FIFA’s current direction.

Former Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre emerged as a central voice in the opposition, issuing a critical statement regarding FIFA’s executive governance on X on Monday: “For too long we have seen major decisions taken without players being consulted or considered, and without any regard for the fans who sustain the sport. Change is necessary. Power has blurred the current leadership’s ability to distinguish between its own interests and what is best for football. Enough is enough,” the statement read.

Silvestre, a member of FIFA’s Player Voice Panel, saw his statement shared across social media by numerous retired stars. Among the notable figures lending their support to the critique were England Lionesses defender Lucy Bronze, former goalkeeper David James, Emmanuel Petit, Didier Drogba, Robert Pires, Claudio Pizarro, Emmanuel Adebayor, and former Argentine international Juan Sebastian Veron.

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